As the excitement builds for the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Paris, the stories of those behind the scenes become all the more compelling. Christina McGuire, a dedicated physical therapist at MOTION, has spent the past decade honing her skills, with the last six years specializing in sports physical therapy. Her journey, passion, and experiences with Paralympians offer a unique and inspiring perspective on the world of adaptive sports.
Christina’s career reached its tenth anniversary this year, marking a significant milestone in her professional journey. Her path to the Paralympics began with her certification in sports physical therapy four years ago. Her initial involvement with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) included a rotation in Colorado Springs in 2019, where she worked with swimmers, cyclists, and triathletes. This opportunity opened doors to more specialized roles, including a pivotal assignment in the Netherlands, where she covered road and track cycling. Her contributions continued at world championship events and culminated in supporting athletes at the Tokyo Paralympics.
Christina’s passion for sports runs deep. Growing up, she was always involved in sports, inspired by her father, who worked with the Olympics and traveled to games in China, Korea, and Argentina. His dedication sparked her interest in working with athletes. The unique challenges faced by Paralympians, combined with their profound appreciation for sports medicine, drew her to the para side of sports. She found a strong sense of camaraderie and inspiration in hearing their stories and being part of their journey.
Christina’s role as a physical therapist at the Paralympics is multifaceted and demanding. As an EMT-trained professional, she addresses both injuries and recovery needs. Athletes often compete in multiple events within a single day, requiring meticulous management to prepare their bodies for peak performance. This involves techniques to prevent lactic acid buildup, manage chronic pain, and ensure proper nutrition and hydration. With a typical day stretching up to 14 hours, Christina’s responsibilities also include managing heat exhaustion and maintaining optimal protein levels in athletes.
When it comes to acute injuries, Christina’s primary goal is to reduce pain levels and restore athletes to their baseline strength or better. Since Paralympians train independently at home, her approach is to maintain their routine while providing essential support and priming them for competition. Post-competition, she offers guidance on long-term injury management, ensuring athletes do not become complacent and continue to build strength and resilience.
Most Paralympic athletes juggle full-time jobs with rigorous training schedules, dedicating two to six hours daily to their sport. They have access to sports psychologists, nutritionists, and training center facilities for treatment. For track and road cyclists, training ranges from 30-minute sessions to three-hour rides. Christina ensures they follow a recovery phase after competitions and maximize their training right before the next event.
Preparation for the Paralympics involves detailed training and coordination led by the USOPC medical director. Christina and her colleagues receive training in safe sport practices, anti-doping measures, and emergency protocols. Team USA’s high-performance centers are equipped with advanced resources such as heating and cooling baths and water tables. Staying current with the latest treatments and innovations is crucial, and Christina regularly attends CME accreditation courses and consults journals like the American Journal of Sports Medicine.
Working with Paralympians has profoundly impacted Christina. At MOTION, she helps patients realize that they can still pursue sports and even compete on the world stage, no matter the injury. She finds immense fulfillment in witnessing her patients’ recoveries and their triumphant moments of winning medals.
As the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris draw near, Christina is more excited than ever. Her journey with Paralympians has opened her eyes to the incredible world of adaptive sports, and she continues to advocate for greater visibility and support for these remarkable athletes. Her work not only helps them achieve their best but also inspires the next generation to embrace the possibilities within adaptive sports.
Christina McGuire’s story is a testament to the dedication, passion, and impact that physical therapists have in the world of sports, particularly in the Paralympics. As we gear up for the 2024 Games, her experiences and insights remind us of the incredible resilience and determination of Paralympic athletes and the team behind their success.
Watch for Christina who will be working with the U.S. Cycling Team at the Paralympics from August 28th through September 8th in Paris. You can learn more about the Paralympics here.
